On Sunday, December 1, 2024, the Salaam Foundation hosted *Echoes of Innocence*, a tribute event at the Wits Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg, bringing together children with disabilities from across Gauteng to honor the children of Gaza. The tribute, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, celebrated the artistic talents and creativity of children with disabilities while also raising funds for the Salaam Foundation’s Palestine Response project.
The event was a powerful demonstration of solidarity from South Africa to Palestine, with children from Lenasia-based organizations such as the Johannesburg Council for the Disability (JOCOD), E.E. Patel TIBA Centre, Lenasia Muslim Association and Disability Information Support Association (LMA/DISA), and Maleehah Laylaa Centre for Special Needs contributing to a heartfelt performance. Despite limited rehearsal time, the program ran smoothly, thanks to the collaboration of the Salaam Foundation and participating schools.
The main focus of the event was to support the Gaza Kitchen initiative, which provides essential food supplies to displaced families in Gaza, a project that began in March 2024. The initiative continues to distribute vital aid despite the ongoing conflict, partnering with local groups to reach those in need.
In a show of solidarity, attendees participated in a special initiative to send letters and artwork to the children of Gaza. The response was overwhelming, with numerous heartfelt contributions displayed throughout the auditorium and foyer. Additionally, Palestinian-themed apparel was sold, with all proceeds going to the Gaza Kitchen.
The tribute began with a moving recitation of the Holy Qur'an, followed by a unified singing of South Africa’s national anthem. The program featured a variety of performances, including nasheeds, plays, speeches, and cultural expressions. A key moment was a discussion with Palestinian content creator Ahmad Ghunaim and South African journalist Qaanitah Hunter, who shared their insights on the situation in Gaza.
Other highlights included a drawing demonstration by illustrator and author Nathi Ngubane, a puppet show by Margaret Auerbach of Spellbound Puppets, and a powerful nasheed performance by Qari Ziyaad Patel and Waleed Bata. The tribute culminated in a moving group rendition of Free Palestine by Maher Zain, with all performers coming together to deliver a unified message of peace and solidarity.
Fatima Sookharia, co-director of the Salaam Foundation, reflected on the significance of the event, saying, “Giving children with disabilities a public platform to showcase their talents, while supporting such a worthy cause, demonstrates that everyone can take a stand against the oppression and genocide in Gaza. We at the Salaam Foundation feel honored to have hosted this event.”
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